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Tidings

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A Publication of the Faith Community of Trinity Episcopal Church The Woodlands, TX Volume IX, Number 1 January-February 2013

Dear Trinitarians,

“O Lord my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house, and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom. All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.” With these words I was instituted as the fifth Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. We have now entered out sixth year and my sense of God’s call to be with you is even stronger. As I enter my sixth year I am in awe at what we have done together. I am blessed by the energy, creativity, compassion, and joy I find every day in this parish. I am thankful that God has made me your Rector and continues to strengthen this ministry. I am not perfect (you all clearly know that) but I do seek to be a faithful priest, pastor, and leader of this part of the Mystical Body of Christ. I seek to listen and learn from you and I pray I do so more often than not. I find your devotion inspiring and your willingness to walk together a true joy. Today I give thanks for five blessed years. I look forward to this sixth year and all that God has in store for us. I am committed to you and the call we have to be the Church. Let us commit to listen to the will of God, together. Let us commit to building up of God’s Kingdom in this place and in all the places we touch. 2013 – Look out! Here we come. Peace, Father Gerry+

Horner’s Corner Life and Death I recently read a profound blog about life and death. Richard Rohr, the devout Franciscan divine, in his daily blog, provides great insight into this eternal question. We all pretend that we are going to live forever and that we can avoid all forms of dying. If we choose to overcome this illusion/delusion, we must come to understand that life and death are not two but one. They’re inseparable except by blindness and denial, but we try to have one without the other. This splits us from all necessary dying, losing and suffering in many ways and keeps us naïve and shallow. Once we know that life and death are ONE, we’re not afraid of death anymore and can walk through it ahead of time. St. Francis said “Face the first death and the second death can do us no harm.” How do we overcome this dichotomy? By identifying with the least, last, lost, the poor and the lepers. Once you walk through and come out the other side, even more alive, death poses no more fear.

“The Fire of the Word” This book, written by Chris Webb of the Renovare movement, had an off-putting title at first as I thought of past apocalyptic diatribes, but I took the plunge and then immersed myself in it with a purpose. Where was the author, a skilled writer, going with this, why is his being smitten by God so compelling? His purpose became clear. He desires others to be caught up in the power. The Fire of the Bible through his personal recounting of his journey from a simple childlike Christian upbringing to be an eminent preacher and author, full of passion and enthusiasm for Holy Scripture.

EDOT Dialog Sign up for the Diolog E-News. Here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/diologenews It’s that simple. The Diolog goes out every Wednesday afternoon. EDOT Communications

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Chris recounts his journey, encountering great artists creating timeless works of religious art such as Carravaggio’s torturous efforts to bring realism to religious art, such as his painting Thomas’ Encounter With The Risen Christ, the incredible devotion of the Little Brothers of Nazareth, and other stories of Saints such as Mother Theresa. The author’s Welsh/Irish heritage enables him to offer a thorough understanding of the Celtic concept of thin places, where the boundary between heaven and earth has been worn thin and one moves easily between the two worlds. It is in these places where the power of the scripture comes alive for him and he writes with passion and fire. Let me tell you about one of the thin places I treasure, that being the icon of the three visitors in our Sanctuary where I return for the sacredness and mystery. The author avoids bibliolatry, worshipping the book for he knows the purpose of the Bible is to lead us into an adoring love of the Triune God. Perhaps a Lenten read?

Unabashedly Episcopalian This book written by our unabashed bishop Andy Doyle is an advanced primer for those with inquiring minds about their faith. The frontispiece sets the tone: What is the good news of the Episcopal Church? The good news is that in our Church, we love God in Jesus Christ we love our traditions and we love our relationships. If you are a newbie to the Episcopal Church or feel you may be lacking some of the wonderful history or need a deeper understanding of our core faith this book is for you. The author has a great sense of history and mines the EDOT archives to recount our roots and growth from the past missionary bishops to the present day. If you’re prepared to be inspired, taught, and motivated you’ll enjoy this and perhaps take on some evangelistic efforts to tell others of what you’re learning. Of great interest is the author’s focus on the baptismal covenant, the very heart of our faith. His lifelong experiences inspire and enable him to write powerfully and confidently. Another Lenten Read?? Bob Horner, Deacon

Curate Comtemplations Our God of Creation is Not Afraid of Creativity Personal Prayer is a challenge for me. I thrive when we gather as a community to worship our Lord, but left to my own devices, I often times draw a blank. I have tried many of the methods our tradition has given us, including the daily office, mantras, devotionals and icons. Each one in its own way was wonderful, but for me, they did not stick. Then, in a moment of clarity it struck me that our God of Creation is not afraid of creativity. I realized that my personality was not in conflict with God, but instead was the main vehicle God gave me for worship. I sat back and thought creatively about how my interests and personality could intersect with our tradition of prayer and holiness, and realized that the intersection was natural and lasting. For example, I love to read short stories and now start my day with reading a short story geared toward faith. When the story ends, I sit quietly and contemplate God and myself in the story. Also, as an extrovert, I love to meet new people and have taken to the habit of praying for every new person I meet by name immediately after our introduction. Two simple and creative ways that made a huge impact This New Year, I challenge you all to be creative in your prayer life. As Christians we are called to pray through our life and being, and this is best done when we use the unique gift of our life and personality. I am excited to hear how it goes. Shalom, Deacon Sean

Music Ministry Handbell Festival On Saturday, February 9, 2013, Trinity will be hosting NorthFest, a handbell festival. Handbell choirs from the North Houston area will come together to practice, followed by a worship concert at 3:00 PM in Butler Hall. All are invited to enjoy the concert.

Junior Choir By popular request, Trinity will be forming a Junior Choir that will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 4:005:00 PM. Open to children in grades 3-8, Junior Choir will sing for Sunday services as well as special services. Junior Choir will also present the musical, “Elijah! God’s Faithful Prophet” in May. If your child is interested in leading in the music ministries at Trinity, please see Micki Balog or email [email protected]. Micki Balog, Director of Music Ministry • [email protected].

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Outreach

Angel Gift Market A great big thank you to Trinity for supporting the Annual Angel Gift Market. We have raised over $17,500 for Outreach ministries at Trinity for 2013. A special thank you to Kaye Sykes and her helpers, Angela Kratt and Linda Lewis, the main organizers for the event. Thank you also to Betsey Batey and BEtsey’s friends for the food served to our guests from the Conservatory. Thanks to the Mom’s Group for the food they prepared to sell at the market. These funds go to the general Outreach budget and are used where most needed throughout the year. Thank you to all who helped at the One-Stop table and were hosts to a ministry table. Each one of you was necessary to make this event so successful. Alyssa Stebbing • [email protected]

Lenten Retreat Guest Speaker: The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, Bishop Suffragan Saturday, February 2, 2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Butler Fellowship Hall

Trinity Episcopal Church Cost: $20.00 for lunch and supplies Register at www.trinitywoodlands.org Childcare provided

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Stewardship Help Wanted: Stewardship Formation Ministry is seeking people to assist with the upcoming Time and Talent segments of our calendar year. The committee organizes events celebrating the Time and Talent offered to our church. New for this year, the committee plans to begin work on a short video production about the three T’s: Time, Talent and Treasure. We welcome anyone who feels called (skilled or not!) Contact: Fr. Gerry Sevick at 281.367.8113

Save The Date:

New In The Pew “Awkward.” That describes how you may feel during a service when you pass the collection plate without dropping anything in because you gave online, or you gave on a schedule that isn’t weekly. In light of the current trending towards online giving options, the Stewardship Formation Ministry has made available in the pews “online offering” cards. If you feel the desire, you can place one in the collection plate as a symbol of your online giving. Online giving allows the church a consistent income. This is especially important over summer months, where plate offerings and traditional commitments may wane, creating a financial crunch as the church’s monthly expenses actually increase. All contributions, no matter the format (time; talent; treasure in any form and at any time) are blessed and welcomed all times. There is no requirement for you to put the card into the plate. The cards are intended for those who wish it, a physical representation of participation. If you would like more information on stewardship, or directions on how to set up an online giving account through your bank or through PayPal, please view www.trinitywoodlands.org/stewardship

The Stewardship Formation Ministry will host a Congregation-wide Contemplative Pruning and Planting Day on March 2, 2013. More details will be forthcoming in the weekly Tidings!

Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Fund: The Book of Common Prayer (pg. 445) reminds us one of our duties as Christians is to provide for the well being of our families, our Church and other charitable organizations by having a will. Careful estate planning conveys your final wishes for the distribution of your assets; remembering those organizations and ministries dear to you. Your Trinity Endowment Fund provides such an opportunity. Consider your longer term legacy by reading this information regarding endowment giving. Planned Gifts to your Endowment Fund may be immediate or deferred gifts and may include: Cash, Securities, Real Estate, Life Insurance, Bequests in a Will, Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Lead Trust and Charitable Remainder Trust Gifts given to your Trinity Endowment Fund are deposited in “The Participating Fund” of the Diocese of Texas. The goal of the fund is preservation of principal; only income generated from the fund will be distributed. If you have questions or would like additional specific information please contact: The Rev. Dr. Gerald Sevick, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. 281.367.8113. Tracy Atkins, Stewardship Committee

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Parish Life

Parish Life Ministry PARISH LIFE MINISTRY EVENTS

A HUGE Thank YOU to all of our Sunday School teachers and Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders and assistants! We appreciate YOU, your dedication, hard work and your willingness to serve others.

The camels are coming! Come see the camels and wise men in the courtyard to celebrate Epiphany on January 6th from 10:1510:55am.

February 12th 2013

Mardi Gras Parade and Pancake Supper 6:00pm Decorate Bikes, Scooters and Wagons 6:30pm Parade Begins 6:00-7:30pm Dinner provided by the Holy Smokers. Love offerings are accepted. Everyone is invited to this event! If you are not in the parade, we invite you to park your car along the parade route (in the parking lot) and help toss out beads as the children and youth go by. Then join us for a pancake supper. It is a celebration for our entire church family!

Feb 22nd 2013 Anniversary Party for couples celebrating 50+ years Lenten materials will be located in the Narthex early February, please take some home, love offerings welcome .

Ash Wednesday February 13th 2013

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Please see the Weekly Tidings (the blue sheets) for more information on all of these events!

Parish Life

Parish Life Ministry TRINITY KIDS CORNER PJ days are back!

Kids For Christ Youth group for kids in 1st-3rd grade

Board Game Extravaganza Bring your favorite January 27th 1:30-3:30 1:30-3:30pm Butler Fellowship Hall Mardi Gras Parade and Pancakes Decorate your bike and get beads February 12th 6:00-7:30pm

(Praise Jesus Days)

Join us on January 3rd and/or January 4th. Have the kiddos come dressed in their PJs and enjoy Snuggly good time. Snack and are good time provided. All you need to do is pack a snack lunch for your child. The times are 9am-2pm and the cost is $25.00 per child or $40 per family/per day. For questions or to RSVP please contact Liz Johnson at the church office or at [email protected].

February 9th is Trinity Kids Corner Valentines Party. Dinner, snack and good time are provided. The cost is $25.00 per child or $40.00 per family. The time is 5:30pm-10:30pm. Extended Hours this Month! For questions or to RSVP contact Liz Johnson at the church office or at [email protected] by February 6th. Save the Date:

Kids Day Out March 12th, 13th and 14th.

Each Wednesday night the youth from Trinity meet at Starbucks for The Gospel of Luke study and fellowship. Molly Carr is in need of gift cards for Starbucks and TCBY to keep this awesome ministry going for the Youth. Please drop them off with Molly or in the church office. Any amount is appreciated!

Fun for all kids up to age 12! All you need to do is pack a sack lunch for your child. The times are 9am-2pm and the cost is $25.00 per child or $40 per family/per day. For questions or to RSVP please contact Liz Johnson at the church office or at [email protected].

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We cannot believe an entire semester has been completed and we’re into the year 2013! We hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season. At TEDS we have moved into a celebration of winter and actually had some chilly weather to help facilitate our planning! Our curriculum topics range from winter animals, bears and snow (?) to Nursery Rhymes and a journey to the United Kingdom. Each teacher plans a range of activities from circle topics and discussion to art experiences and social studies. Our dramatic play and book and writing centers reflect the current theme and the letter of the week, science focus and craft activities tie into the study topic. In this way, each area of development is touched upon and the children have the opportunity to experience the curriculum based on their style of learning. The TEDS Parents’ Association had an active fall that included several fund-raisers, a planned program for the children and mom’s night out. The poinsettia sale, Scholastic Book Fair and Scrip sales proceeds will allow them to continue their efforts to sustain the school, classroom and staff needs. Many thanks to Margaret Calnan, PA President, for her never ending energy and organizational skills, and to all who participated in these fund-raising activities. Our School Board is now in high gear working toward its main fund-raiser of the year, our annual dinner-dance. This year the theme and scene has moved from Mardi Gras in The Big Easy to a Night in the Casbah. Claudia Grow and her team are planning a wonderful evening and we hope you will join us. The date seems far in the distance, but will arrive in the blink of a genie! Circle Saturday, April 13th on your calendar. We also appreciate the support from the congregation in this past year’s Angel Gift Market. All donations help underwrite the Scholarship Fund that is sponsored by the TEDS Board of Directors.

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With February comes registration for the 2013-2014 school year. February 4-8 is the week of in-house and Trinity enrollment. We will again offer classes for 18 months through Kindergarten. Information packets will be available shortly after we return to classes on January 9th and you are welcome to come for a tour of TEDS any time we are in session. Please call the school office at 281.367.5148 or email us at [email protected] for details or to set up a tour. A special opportunity to meet and visit with our Kindergarten lead teacher will be open to all interested parents. Watch for a date in the church bulletin. Our Kindergarten studentteacher ratio of 7:1 is of great value for these children who are continuing their academic journey at a time when the demands on their abilities increase so rapidly. We have been pleased to offer this class over the past several years. Carol Godell, Director

Around the Parish A New Year.... time for new beginnings... a time to change bad habits and develop new ones. This is what we hear every year. If this year you are looking to strengthen and enrich your relationship will God, then I suggest The Book of Awakening. The author says in the introduction that it is meant to be a soul companion. There is a reading for each day which is designed to give you pause and ponder. And then, at the end of each day’s reading are several suggestions for meditation or contemplation. Each suggestion, in addition to being related to the reading, is designed to take with you during the day; sitting quietly in a chair, walking or running, observing aspects of nature, drawing coloring, or writing. It is available in the bookstore. Ash Wednesday is February 13th. Lenten study materials for both classes and individual study and reflection are available in the bookstore. If you would like to become a Bookworm and assist in the bookstore, please call Stacey McKinley at 281.255.6425 or the church office at 281.367.8113. Carol Montgomery

Rector’s Forums - Next Series As our Rector enters his sixth year of ministry with us, we have an excellent opportinity to vision and discuss what God is doing in and with Trinity. Join Father Gerry as he discusses the future of Trinity and answers questions concerning the long range planning and health of the parish. The dates of the forums are: January 13th, 27th, and February 10th during the Sunday school hour [10:15 - 10:55 AM].

Financial Peace University [Dave Ramsey]

Vicki Berglund wins the 2013 chili cookoff! Congratulations Vicki!

Financial Peace University is returning to Trinity beginning Thursday, January 31, 2013. A biblically based curriculum. Financial Peace, teaches people how to handle money God’s way. Led by Gary Underwood, the nine-week class is open to Trinity members and non-members. Classes will be held at 7:00 PM in the choir practice room. Contact Gary Underwood if you would like to attend or if you have additional questions. Gary Underwood • [email protected]

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Connection’s Dinners • Would you like to meet our clergy and staff in an informal and relaxed environment? • Are you new to the area, new to the church, returning after a temporary absence? • Do you want to learn more about the ministries of Trinity Episcopal Church? If you answered yes or maybe to any of these questions, then this is

Your place to belong and grow! The dress is casual, the crowd is friendly and the food is always delicious! If this is your first time to attend one of our dinners as a newcomer, We ask that you simply bring yourself! Trinity Episcopal Church extends an open invitation for you to the February Newcomers’ Dinner Sunday, February 17, 2013, 6:30 pm at the home of Bob and Tracy Atkins 6510 Pine Reserve The Woodlands, TX 77389 This month’s theme is Italian. Please, bring your favorite Italian dish. So that we will be sure to have enough food and to coordinate the menu, please R.S.V.P. to Beverly Redd at 610.304.6630 or [email protected], or contact the church office. Childcare is available at the church upon request. Please call the church at 281.367.8113 to make a reservation for your child/children. Trinity Episcopal Church extends an open invitation for you to the January Newcomers’ Dinner Sunday, January 20, 2013, 6:30 pm at the home of Jack and San West 42 Golden Shadow Circle The Woodlands, TX 77381 This month’s theme is soup and salad. Please, bring your favorite soup or salad. So that we will be sure to have enough food and to coordinate the menu, please R.S.V.P. to Beverly Redd at 610.304.6630 or [email protected] or Randy Redd at 832.494.8321 or [email protected]. Childcare is available at the church upon request. Please call the church at 281-367-8113 to make a reservation for your child/children. The Tidings Of Trinity • 10 • January - February 2013

Vestry The change of year is a time to reflect on what has been accomplished during the year. For this vestry, it has been a eventful year of progress, repair, and improvement. I want to highlight some, but by no means all, of our successes. • Our church has grown in attendance by over five percent, and we have seen increased participation in Sunday school, mission trips, and ministry events. We supported our fellow parishioners through the year, with friendship, comfort, a kind word, or just our presence. And we touched hundreds of people in the wider community who use our facilities for classes and support groups. These are our most important accomplishments. • Our clergy and staff continue to do more than we see for the parish and our fellow parishioners. The staff is always looking for ways to make things better, more relevant, or less expensive while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of managing our campus. Our clergy tends to one of the largest flocks in the country with consistency, grace, and occasional humor. • At this writing, we are on track to meet our budget for the year, both in revenue and expenses. Thanks to everyone who pledged and donated during the year as all of us benefit from your stewardship. • We raised almost $25,000 for an emergency fund, which was not in our budget and which greatly improves our financial security. Thanks to all who contributed. • We substantially reduced our payables during the year, completing the purchase of the new stained glass window, funding the Columbarium trust, and making initial deposits for the Endowment Fund. Like the emergency fund, these are not part of the budget, but do require us to spend cash. Most importantly, these payments were made, and our obligations reduced, while keeping our level of borrowing under control. We are in a stronger financial position today than we were a year ago.

• Our facilities were a huge challenge during the year, with our buildings flooding more than once, accidental damage to the sanctuary, multiple air conditioner repairs, termite and rot related repair work, upgrading our fire alarm system, and campus drainage repairs. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Junior Warden, Joanne Welker, and Melanie Sheffield, Administrative Assistant to the Rector, all of this was accomplished quickly, smoothly and with minimal inconvenience. • The Long Range Planning Committee has spent two years examining the state of our buildings and developing a plan for deciding the future of our facilities. They have recommended that the parish hire Merriman Holt, a well known Houston architectural firm, to develop a master plan for our campus. The Vestry accepted this recommendation, and authorized the raising of money to pay for it. You will hear more about this in the new year. • The ministries and events in our parish do not run without volunteers, and the commitment of people to leading these is very much appreciated.. This is an area where we can never have too many hands, so please consider adding time to your stewardship commitment. Randall Redd, Senior Warden

With Grateful Hearts and Thanks The Vestry and Trinity parishioners thank the following vestry members who rotate off the vestry at the end of January 2012: John Miller Kathleen Merchant Randall Redd Charlie Brown At the same time the vestry welcomes the newly elected vestry members Stoney Cox David Marshall Mike Thomson Jack West

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Trinity Episcopal Church 3901 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 Office Phone: 281.367.8113 • Office Fax 281.296.2201 Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Visit our web site at www.trinitywoodlands.org

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Spring, Texas Permit No. 79

To: Dated Material: Please Deliver Promptly Change Service Requested Diocese of Texas The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dena A. Harrison, Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, Bishop Suffragan Trinity Episcopal Church The Rev. Dr. Gerald Sevick, Rector The Rev. Genevieve T. Razim, Associate Rector The Rev. Robert W. Horner, Deacon The Rev. Robert Lowry, Deacon The Rev. Sean Steele, Curate Micki Balog, Director of Music Ministry Alyssa Stebbing, Contemporary Music Leader The Staff Molly Carr, Parish Life Minister Liz Linger, Admin. Assistant to Parish Life Ministries Melanie Sheffield, Admin. Assistant to the Rector Alyssa Stebbing, Outreach Coordinator for the Parish Lawrence W. Martz, Parish Accountant Sheila Gerth, Pastoral Care Coordinator Carol Godell, Director Day School Liz Johnson, Trinity Kid’s Corner Coordinator Nick Earl, New Member’s Ministry Coordinator





The Vestry Randall Redd, ‘13 Sr. Warden Joanne Welker, ‘14, Jr. Warden Tony Stavins, ‘14 Treasurer Bob Atkins, Clerk Charlie Brown ‘13

John McKinley ‘15

Tom Budde ‘15

Kathleen Merchant ’13

Doris Cloud ‘15

John Miller ‘13

Stoney Cox ‘16

Judith Randolph ‘14

Jim Filkowski ‘14

Michael Thomson ‘16

Vicki Hamill ‘15

Jack West ‘16

David Marshall ‘16

Vergers Dick Johnson, Head Verger

Martha Martz

David Salmon

John McKinley

Joanne Welker

Aaron Michaelson

Worship with Us at Trinity Episcopal Church Sunday Rite I Said Eucharist Contemporary Rite II Eucharist Children’s Liturgy of the Word

7:30 AM 9:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages [3 years to Adults]

10:15 AM

Traditional Rite II Eucharist Children’s Liturgy of the Word

11:00 AM

Rite II Eucharist

5:00 PM

Wednesday Rite II Eucharist Eucharist with Anointing for Healing

10:00 AM 7:00 PM

Monday through Friday Morning Prayer (in Parlor)

10:00 AM

Our Vision We believe Jesus Christ calls us to be His true disciples. Trinity chooses to use the unique gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit to become a shining example of God’s love to each other and our community. Our Mission Grounded in Christ’s love and surrendered to the Holy Spirit, we provide a safe and positive environment for spiritual growth of all, to welcome and serve others, to reach out to those in need and to share the Gospel.